Oct. 6-11
Homecoming Week
Oct. 10
Parade at 6 p.m.
Oct. 11
Football Game vs. UCLA
Welcome Home, Spartans
Spartans are known for their global impact, each forging a unique path of accomplishments. Yet no matter where life takes them, one thing remains the same — MSU is always home. Each year, Homecoming brings Spartans together to celebrate this unbreakable bond.
Explore Homecoming details below, including parade information, the Grand Marshal, Homecoming Court, Glow Green initiative and student events.
Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate Homecoming 2025! Photos from the events will be available here soon.
Schedule of Events
Glow Green all Homecoming week — on campus or afar — by lighting up your space with any green lights to show your Spartan pride. But be warned, Sparty might beat you to it.
Homecoming Headquarters
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: MSU Union, 49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
Price: No cost
About the Event: Visit Homecoming Headquarters all week long to pick up free Homecoming giveaways, green lights so you can Glow Green, meet the Homecoming Court and take part in special Spartan events.
MSU Downtown Coaches Club Dinner Meeting
Time: 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Location: One North Kitchen & Bar — East Lansing
Price: $25 for members, $30 for non-members
About the Event: Have a great dinner with other Spartan fans and hear from MSU players and special guest speakers. Visit the Downtown Coaches Club website to learn more.
Magic Show with Daniel Martin
Time: 8 – 9 p.m.
Location: MSU Union Ballroom
Price: No cost
About the Event: And for my next trick, you'll come see a magic show!? Get ready for a night of tricks and trills with award-winning magician Daniel Martin! For an hour, he will showcase all of his best magic skills that will leave you wondering, "How did he do it?" Visit the UAB website to learn more.
College of Education Homecoming Photo Album
Time: All day
Location: Virtual
Price: No cost
About the Event: Welcome home, Spartans! It's time to curate the annual College of Education Homecoming family photo album. While homecoming is traditionally a time when alums return to campus to reminisce about their days at MSU, it is also a celebration experienced by the entire MSU community. In that spirit, we are inviting ALL members of the College of Education family to share a photo that shows their Spartan Pride! The college will highlight a variety of photos that showcase alums, students and faculty/staff on social media, throughout Homecoming Week, so get your submissions in early. Follow the college on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X to look for your photo! To submit a photo, please complete this brief survey or share directly with the College of Education on social media.
Glow Green all Homecoming week — on campus or afar — by lighting up your space with any green lights to show your Spartan pride. But be warned, Sparty might beat you to it.
Healthy Homecoming Walk
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Demonstration Hall Field
Price: No cost
About the Event: Get moving in this 10th annual walking and rolling challenge with universities around the globe! On Oct. 7, walk or roll your way around Demonstration Hall Field to add laps to MSU’s total. Make the most of your visit with opportunities for giveaways and prizes, a health and wellbeing resource fair between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and remarks by President Guskiewicz between 1 and 1:45 p.m. Visit the University Health & Wellbeing website to learn more.
Homecoming Headquarters
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: MSU Union, 49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
Price: No cost
About the Event: Visit Homecoming Headquarters all week long to pick up free Homecoming giveaways, green lights so you can Glow Green, meet the Homecoming Court and take part in special Spartan events.
Special Tuesday Event: From 12 – 1 p.m., enjoy a free scoop of Centennial Cookie Jar ice cream!
Rock Painting at the Rock
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: The Rock, rain location is classroom 50 in the MSU Union
Price: No cost
About the Event: Rock n' roll your way to celebrate MSU Homecoming Week by decorating a personal stone at Rock Painting at The Rock, featuring Dave's Hot Chicken! Paint pens, rocks and food are provided while supplies last. Bring your creativity, show off your Spartan spirit and enjoy some tasty snacks while creating a little piece of the rock to take home with you. Rain location located at classroom 50 in the Union. Visit the UAB website to learn more.
College of Education Homecoming Photo Album
Time: All day
Location: Virtual
Price: No cost
About the Event: Welcome home, Spartans! It's time to curate the annual College of Education Homecoming family photo album. While homecoming is traditionally a time when alums return to campus to reminisce about their days at MSU, it is also a celebration experienced by the entire MSU community. In that spirit, we are inviting ALL members of the College of Education family to share a photo that shows their Spartan Pride! The college will highlight a variety of photos that showcase alums, students and faculty/staff on social media, throughout Homecoming Week, so get your submissions in early. Follow the college on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X to look for your photo! To submit a photo, please complete this brief survey or share directly with the College of Education on social media.
Glow Green all Homecoming week — on campus or afar — by lighting up your space with any green lights to show your Spartan pride. But be warned, Sparty might beat you to it.
Bagels at Beaumont
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Beaumont Tower, 375 W Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824
Price: No cost
About the Event: Imagine how cool it would be to say you've been in MSU's Beaumont Tower... a staple that has been a part of Michigan State history for almost 100 years! Oh wait, you can if you attend this event! Enjoy free breakfast bagels from Dunkin' Donuts, donuts from Strange Matter, outdoor games and a special look inside Beaumont Tower! Visit the UAB website to learn more.
Homecoming Headquarters
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: MSU Union, 49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
Price: No cost
About the Event: Visit Homecoming Headquarters all week long to pick up free Homecoming giveaways, green lights so you can Glow Green, meet the Homecoming Court and take part in special Spartan events.
Special Wednesday Event: From 12 – 1 p.m., enjoy a free custom dark chocolate Centennial Candy bar!
College of Education Homecoming Photo Album
Time: All day
Location: Virtual
Price: No cost
About the Event: Welcome home, Spartans! It's time to curate the annual College of Education Homecoming family photo album. While homecoming is traditionally a time when alums return to campus to reminisce about their days at MSU, it is also a celebration experienced by the entire MSU community. In that spirit, we are inviting ALL members of the College of Education family to share a photo that shows their Spartan Pride! The college will highlight a variety of photos that showcase alums, students and faculty/staff on social media, throughout Homecoming Week, so get your submissions in early. Follow the college on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X to look for your photo! To submit a photo, please complete this brief survey or share directly with the College of Education on social media.
Glow Green all Homecoming week — on campus or afar — by lighting up your space with any green lights to show your Spartan pride. But be warned, Sparty might beat you to it.
Homecoming Headquarters
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: MSU Union, 49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
Price: No cost
About the Event: Visit Homecoming Headquarters all week long to pick up free Homecoming giveaways, green lights so you can Glow Green, meet the Homecoming Court and take part in special Spartan events.
Spartan Leadership Trailblazer: Leading through Adversity with Dr. Matea Caluk
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Location: Student Services Building, Room 110
Price: No cost, but registration required here.
About the Event: As part of our Spartan Leadership Trailblazers initiative, this session on Navigating Adversity as a Leader will highlight the essential qualities of empathy, resilience and moral courage that define effective leaders. Leaders are often remembered not for how they handle calm moments, but for how they rise to challenges. This event will offer an empowering conversation on leading through adversity with authenticity and strength. We are honored to welcome Dr. Matea Caluk, Chief of Staff for Residence Education and Housing Services, as our special guest speaker. Dr. Caluk will share her leadership insights, experiences and strategies for inspiring others during times of uncertainty. Certificates of participation will be emailed to attendees. Visit the Office of Spartan Experiences website to register and learn more.
Stuff-a-Zeke
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: MSU Union Ballroom
Price: No cost
About the Event: Ever wanted your very own Zeke the Wonder Dog? Now’s your chance! Come down to the Union Ballroom and stuff your very own Zeke plushie, take pictures with the real live Zeke and even snack on a Zeke cookie (while supplies last)! Please make sure to bring your MSU Student ID. Visit the UAB website to learn more.
MSUBA Annual Meeting
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton - Lansing, 111 N. Grand Ave., Lansing, MI 48933
Price: No cost
About the Event: Join the MSUBA Annual Membership meeting in-person or virtually via Zoom. RSVP here. Visit the MSUBA website to learn more.
College of Education Homecoming Photo Album
Time: All day
Location: Virtual
Price: No cost
About the Event: Welcome home, Spartans! It's time to curate the annual College of Education Homecoming family photo album. While homecoming is traditionally a time when alums return to campus to reminisce about their days at MSU, it is also a celebration experienced by the entire MSU community. In that spirit, we are inviting ALL members of the College of Education family to share a photo that shows their Spartan Pride! The college will highlight a variety of photos that showcase alums, students and faculty/staff on social media, throughout Homecoming Week, so get your submissions in early. Follow the college on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X to look for your photo! To submit a photo, please complete this brief survey or share directly with the College of Education on social media.
Glow Green all Homecoming week — on campus or afar — by lighting up your space with any green lights to show your Spartan pride. But be warned, Sparty might beat you to it.
Homecoming Headquarters
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: MSU Union, 49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
Price: No cost
About the Event: Visit Homecoming Headquarters all week long to pick up free Homecoming giveaways, green lights so you can Glow Green, meet the Homecoming Court and take part in special Spartan events.
Special Friday Event: Step onto the Sublime 360 photo booth with up to five friends and capture a fun, fast-paced video that shows off your Spartan spirit!
Homecoming Parade
Time: Begins at 6 p.m.
Location: Downtown East Lansing and MSU's campus
Price: No cost
About the Event: The parade is a beloved Spartan tradition that brings the community together for a celebration of pride and spirit. Experience the energy of the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan high school bands, MSU campus groups, community organizations, university leaders and of course, Sparty himself — plus so much more. Learn more about the parade.
Rocket League vs UCLA
Time: Begins at 7 p.m.
Location: MSU Alienware Esports Lounge in ComArtSci
Price: No cost
About the Event: UCLA Rocket League flies out to East Lansing to play a best of five to determine who is the best of the Big Ten schools! Last year UCLA was the west division champions and MSU was the east division champions. Come check us out in person or join for free online though our Twitch channel. Visit the website to learn more.
MSUBA 45th Anniversary Celebration & Scholarship Fundraiser
Time: 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton - Lansing, 111 N. Grand Ave., Lansing, MI 48933
Price: $85.00 or purchase bundle for $100
Registration: RSVP and purchase tickets here.
About the Event: It's a milestone worth celebrating! Join us for the MSUBA 45th Anniversary Celebration & Scholarship Fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing. An evening of music, memories and Spartan pride — while supporting scholarships for the next generation.
College of Education Homecoming Photo Album
Time: All day
Location: Virtual
Price: No cost
About the Event: Welcome home, Spartans! It's time to curate the annual College of Education Homecoming family photo album. While homecoming is traditionally a time when alums return to campus to reminisce about their days at MSU, it is also a celebration experienced by the entire MSU community. In that spirit, we are inviting ALL members of the College of Education family to share a photo that shows their Spartan Pride! The college will highlight a variety of photos that showcase alums, students and faculty/staff on social media, throughout Homecoming Week, so get your submissions in early. Follow the college on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X to look for your photo! To submit a photo, please complete this brief survey or share directly with the College of Education on social media.
Glow Green all Homecoming week — on campus or afar — by lighting up your space with any green lights to show your Spartan pride. But be warned, Sparty might beat you to it.
BLD Homecoming Tailgate
Time: 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Front lawn of North Kedzie Hall, 354 Farm Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824
Price: No cost
About the Event: Celebrate the MSU Football team taking on UCLA at the BLD Homecoming Tailgate! Festivities kick off on Oct. 11, 2025. The game starts at noon, so the tailgate will be from 9am-11:30am. Reconnect with fellow BLD community members, enjoy great food and create new memories on MSU’s beautiful campus! Visit the BLD website to learn more.
MSUBA Community Service Drive
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: IM West Field
Price: No cost
About the Event: In addition to celebrating Homecoming, MSUBA is asking all alumni and friends to participate in our community service drive. We will be collecting travel-sized hygiene products to create care packages for members of the homeless community in Ingham County. Coming home is not just about reconnecting with one another — it’s also about giving back. By contributing to the hygiene drive, you’ll help us extend the spirit of Homecoming to those in need and strengthen our impact in the community we represent. Donations can be dropped off during the MSUBA Homecoming Tailgate. Visit the MSUBA website to learn more.
MSUBA Tailgate
Time: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: IM East Field
Price: $35.00
About the Event: Join us at IM East Field for music, food and fun as Spartans take on UCLA at noon. Ticket bundles are available ($100 for both the Anniversary Celebration + Tailgate – a $120 value!) All ticket sales are final — no refunds will be issued. Additional processing fees from Eventbrite apply at checkout. Visit the event page to purchase tickets, with bundles available.
President's Homecoming Tailgate
Time: 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Location: Breslin Student Events Center, Tom Izzo Hall of History, 534 Birch Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823
Registration: Registration is now closed
About the Event: MSU meets hip-hop at the annual president’s homecoming tailgate! Join President Kevin M. Guskiewicz for a remixed pregame gathering as we welcome home Grand Marshal and hip-hop icon Paul Rosenberg. Bring your family to celebrate this beloved campus tradition and hear from MSU’s new Vice President and Athletic Director J Batt as we kick off his first Homecoming as a Spartan. Registration for this event is now closed.
Homecoming Football Game
Time: 12 p.m. kick-off
Location: Spartan Stadium, 325 W Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824
Tickets: Visit the MSU Football website for more details and to purchase tickets.
You can also check the Events Calendar to see if your local alum community is hosting a football game watch.
College of Education Homecoming Photo Album
Time: All day
Location: Virtual
Price: No cost
About the Event: Welcome home, Spartans! It's time to curate the annual College of Education Homecoming family photo album. While homecoming is traditionally a time when alums return to campus to reminisce about their days at MSU, it is also a celebration experienced by the entire MSU community. In that spirit, we are inviting ALL members of the College of Education family to share a photo that shows their Spartan Pride! The college will highlight a variety of photos that showcase alums, students and faculty/staff on social media, throughout Homecoming Week, so get your submissions in early. Follow the college on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X to look for your photo! To submit a photo, please complete this brief survey or share directly with the College of Education on social media.
Below you will find all your answers to various Homecoming questions, including the schedule of events, where to park on campus, what to do on campus, where to dine, where to stay, how to get here, and much more.
Homecoming FAQs
The full schedule of events can be found above on this page.
If you're hosting an MSU-affiliated event during Homecoming week, Oct. 6–11, and would like it featured on our website and in communications, submit your event via the link below.
There are several ways to get back to MSU's campus depending on your preferred mode of travel:
By Air:
Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) – approximately 90 miles from campus. The Michigan Flyer offers bus transportation to/from East Lansing for approximately $30/one way. Buses run multiple times a day, and travel takes approximately two hours.
Capital Region International Airport (LAN) – less than 10 miles from campus.
Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT) – approximately 45 miles from campus.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) – approximately 60 miles from campus.
By Public Transportation:
The Capital Area Multimodal Gateway on campus houses the Amtrak Blue Water train stop as well as Greyhound and Indian Trails bus services. Local CATA bus routes stop at the station, and the facility also offers taxicab and bike-sharing services.
By Car:
East Lansing is conveniently located in the central part of Michigan at the junction of I-96, I-127 and I-69.
All airports offer car rental services.
Additional Resources:
MI Drive - Construction & traffic updates from MDOT
You can check out the interactive campus map to help you find your way around.
The interactive campus map enables you view the location of accessible entrances for buildings on campus. The easiest way to use the map is to search using the “Select a facility” option on the left side of the page.
MSU is a dynamic campus and there are many activities that you can undertake at your leisure while you’re here. Check out the Campus Activities webpage for ideas on places to visit.
MSU will take on UCLA Saturday, Oct. 11. Visit the MSU football website for details and to purchase tickets.
There are many lodging options available in the East Lansing/Lansing area. Check out Choose Lansing for information. The lodging options available within walking distance of campus are:
The MSU Alumni Office is not involved in the lodging reservation process and is unable to assist with the facilitation of any reservation-related inquiries. If you have any questions, contact the property directly.
Unfortunately, the residence halls are not available for lodging.
You’re welcome to enjoy a meal in MSU’s dining halls. Check out the most up-to-date information on locations, available services and hours.
In addition to dining halls, there are retail options across campus, including Sparty’s mini-markets, Starbucks locations and various food courts.
Visitors to campus can park in pay lots or individually metered spaces and most eligible locations use the pay-by-plate system.
Payment is required immediately upon arrival and must cover the entire duration of your stay.
Pay-by-plate locations can be viewed on the interactive campus map by selecting “visitor parking” under "categories" in the menu.
For the location of accessible parking spaces, refer to the interactive campus map.
A payment alternative for pay-by-plate parking is available with the MSU Parking Spot On app, which allows you to pay for a parking session remotely. For parking sessions initiated with the app, you can also extend your session without returning to the parking lot. Check out the Spot On site for additional information.
Important Reminders:
Observe all posted signs at lot entrances regarding parking rules and enforcement hours.
All parking areas require payment or a permit, per posted regulations.
Handicap-accessible, faculty/staff, metered and loading zone spaces are enforced at all times.
Most lots are affected by special events which can change availability of parking and fees.
For comprehensive parking information, go to MSU’s parking website.
Yes, EV charging stations are available in the following visitor parking locations:
Lot 39
Lot 62
Lot 79
Lot 112
Ramp 3 / Lot 19
Ramp 5 / Lot 102
Please note that regular lot restrictions still apply when parked at a charging station — payment or a valid permit is required.
For detailed information on charging station locations and availability, visit ChargePoint.
Important reminders:
Vehicles must be actively charging to park in EV spaces.
Non-electric vehicles or EVs not actively charging will be ticketed by MSU.
Once fully charged, you have 30 minutes to move your vehicle; after that, a per-hour fee will be assessed via the vendor app.
Unfortunately, RV parking is not available on campus except on the day of football games. For information about local RV parks and campgrounds, we recommend visiting Choose Lansing for options in the area.
MSU guests and visitors can connect to MSUNet Guest Wireless without needing an MSU NetID or register their devices.
Select "MSUnet Guest": Find "MSUnet Guest" in your device's Wi-Fi settings and select it.
Accept Terms: You'll likely be prompted to agree to the MSU Acceptable Use Policy.
No Registration Needed: You don't need an MSU NetID or to register your device to use MSUnet Guest.
Access Internet: Once you've accepted the terms, you should be connected to the internet.
While pets are welcome to enjoy outdoor spaces, they are not allowed inside campus facilities. Service animals are permitted in accordance with university policy.
Visitors to campus with service animals are permitted to access all public facilities, except in areas where service animals are specifically prohibited due to safety or health concerns, where the animal may be at risk, or where its presence could compromise the integrity of research.
MSU recognizes service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). Under this law, a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks or do work for the benefit of an individual with a disability — whether physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or another mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, do not qualify as service animals under this definition.
MSU is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. In addition to traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, the use of e-cigarettes and vapes is also prohibited.
At this time, Homecoming is primarily an in-person event.
The Homecoming Parade is scheduled to be livestreamed Oct. 10 beginning at 6 p.m. ET. Check back again closer to the date for livestream information.
The MSU vs. UCLA football game on Oct. 11 is currently scheduled for radio broadcast on the Spartan Media Network. TV broadcast is TBD. Check out the Spartan Athletics website for the most current information.
Glow Green — show your Spartan spirit during Homecoming week by swapping any light fixture with a green bulb to make it "glow" with pride.
You can also check the Events Calendar to see if your local alum community is hosting a football game watch.
